President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to end the recurring killings and restore lasting peace across Plateau State.

Speaking at a political rally in Jos, Akpabio said the president remains deeply troubled by the persistent attacks that have claimed numerous lives and displaced entire communities.
“So many people have died on the Plateau, and we are not happy; the President is not happy. We must stop this,” he said, urging residents to remain hopeful as security interventions intensify.

Communities in Bokkos, Bassa, and other parts of the state have faced repeated violent attacks this year, prompting protests in Jos where demonstrators described the situation as “genocide” and demanded stronger government action. Thousands have fled their homes, with properties looted and houses razed.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier apologised to the people of Bassa over the government’s failure to protect lives and property. However, both the Federal Government and the African Union have cautioned against labeling the crisis as genocide, attributing the unrest to a complex mix of land disputes, criminality, and farmer–herder conflicts.

The debate over the crisis escalated following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Christians were being exterminated in Nigeria and reportedly suggested potential U.S. military action.

Saturday’s rally also marked a significant political realignment as several prominent politicians formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among them were the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate, Patrick Dakum; retired Major General John Sura; Senator Istifanus Gyang; and other notable figures from both PDP and LP.

Speaking for the defectors, former Mutfwang Campaign Organisation DG Latep Dabang said their decision reflected profound disappointment with the current state leadership. “We assure you we will not put you to shame. We will ensure that the whole of Plateau is APC,” he said.

Representing the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule urged more political leaders to align with the ruling party, while Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kanu pledged the National Assembly’s support.

APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the mass defection as evidence of the party’s growing dominance. “Today we have one party on the Plateau. It is APC or nothing,” he declared, expressing confidence in President Tinubu and the party’s future in the state.

The rally concluded with the presentation of APC flags and symbolic brooms to the defectors, accompanied by loud cheers from supporters.